3 Revision Techniques Every Writer Needs

One of Hemingway’s (now the Hemingway Estate’s) six-toed polydactyl cats

“Writing is revising” —Ernest Hemingway, a.k.a. Papa

3 Revision Techniques Every Writer Needs

Below are techniques (a.k.a. tricks) writers the world over use. They’re what separates meh writing from Wow, I want to read more.

Some writers think writing is drafting. But as Papa said, “Writing is revising.” It’s where we shape, refine, and elevate our material.

The idea-generating and drafting stages should be quick. Revision is where writers live. Something like this:

In real-time: 15% brainstorming and drafting, 70% revision, 15% editing and proofreading.

If you feel like you spend about 2 percent or even just 50 percent of your time in the revision stage (I get it—we’re busy), below are tricks and techniques to keep you there to take your writing from meh to wow.

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